Toys to Please Every Pup

These are just a few of the excellent benefits (and awesome reasons) to keep your pup playing! But with what, you may ask? Well, it’s no surprise that different dogs prefer to play in different ways, and so it can be tricky to shop for the appropriate toy. But don’t fret, we’ve encountered every type of playful pup in our day, from the mellow-mannered to the high-energy and aggressive, so here are a few words of wisdom to help point you in the right direction.

The Squeaker Obsessed. Does your doggie perk up to the sound of a squeaker? Well then plush and rubber toys will win their attention. Plush dog toys are often a favorite for their cute factor alone. They come in all shapes and sizes with snuggly soft exteriors and almost always a squeaker inside. Some even talk! If your pup likes to “baby” their toys, to carry them around and snuggle with them, then they’re sure to love plush toys. On the other hand, if your pup likes to play hard, plush toys may not be the best choice, as the majority aren’t made to withstand rigorous play, unless otherwise stated. We’ll talk more about tough toys in a bit. Rubber dog toys are also great for the squeaker obsessed pup and often funny too. The Pissness Beer Dog Toy always gets a good laugh! All of our toys are lead-free and non-toxic which is very important to keep your dog safe.

The Tough Pup. Does your dog love to destroy? Are you having trouble keeping them busy and away from chewing your favorite personal items? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you’re definitely in need of some tough dog toys! We wish we could tell you that there are toys that aren’t destructible, but we’ve learned that’s not always the case. Even the most durable toys have a hard time standing up to the tenacity of gator-toothed Terriers, vice-jawed Vislas, squeaker-seeking Shelties and so on. But, the good news is that there are a variety of tough toys on the market that are specially designed to give their best shot! Available in a variety of sizes, colors, shapes and materials, you’re able to choose what best suits your dog’s interests and moods. You’ll notice in the product descriptions for tough toys that many are constructed with specially engineered fabrics and/or lining and reinforced stitches.

The Challenge Seeker. Some pups simply aren’t interested in playtime unless it includes a challenge. We call these the sophisticated pups. If this sounds like your dog, we recommend trying interactive dog toys. Great for beating boredom, excellent for stimulating the mind and full of fun, interactive dog toys are a triple threat! Treat dispensing or treat maze toys are a hit with treat motivated pups, making them work for their reward. But if treats aren’t necessary to keep your pup’s interest, try a plush interactive toy like the Bunny and Carrot Burrow Dog Toy, shown at the top of this post with the adorable Great Dane puppy. Your pup’s intelligence and puzzle-solving skills will sharpen as they’re challenged with the fun task of removing the bunnies from the carrot each time you reinsert them. Learning is fun!

The Uber Energetic. For some dogs, energetic may be an understatement! If you have an active pup you’re probably familiar with the abundance of tantalizing toss and retrieve dog toys on the market. Boomerangs, discs, balls, ropes, sticks, slingshots and more. These are often the most fun for you, as well as your pup! It’s hard to pick a clear winner as some pups jump for joy for the classic tennis ball, while others will tug all afternoon but aren’t interested in retrieving. You know your four-legged friend the best, so trust your gut when choosing an active toy. Another upside, active toys force you and your dog to get outside. Visiting your local dog park or dog beach offers more room to run and to bond, with you and other pups.

There are just a few more things to keep in mind before making your next toy purchase.

Dog toys are not created equal, and neither are our beloved four-legged friends. Do your best to choose toys that are of the appropriate size, shape and construction. For example, very small toys can pose a choking hazard for larger breeds, just as toys with pieces that can be chewed off easily aren’t best for aggressive chewers.

Remember, pets should be supervised when playing with toys as no toy is indestructible.

To keep your pup from getting bored with their toys, switch them out on a regular basis. The novelty will last longer and hopefully remerge each time the toy makes another appearance.